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1 WHITING LANE SCHOOL Parent Handbook and School Directory 2011-2012 Whiting Lane School Early Learning Center 233-8541 233-1455 47 Whiting Lane West Hartford, CT 06119

Transcript of WHITING LANE SCHOOLwhpswhitinglane.sharpschool.net/UserFiles/Servers...1 WHITING LANE SCHOOL Parent...

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WHITING LANE SCHOOL

Parent Handbook and

School Directory

2011-2012

Whiting Lane School Early Learning Center 233-8541 233-1455

47 Whiting Lane West Hartford, CT 06119

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MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Whiting Lane School, a diverse community enriched by the Early Learning Center and Special Needs

programs, is to ensure that all students acquire the academic, physical, social and emotional foundations necessary to become

respectful, responsible citizens and lifelong learners. While forging a strong home, school, and community collaboration, we

will promote academic excellence, build critical thinking skills, inspire creativity, and value the unique potential of every child.

WHITING LANE SCHOOL CODE

Whiting Lane students are respectful and responsible, make good choices and, we always take care of each other.

WHITING LANE SCHOOL MOTTO

Knowledge………. guaranteed for Life

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PTO LETTER ...........................................................................................................................................................................................5 2011-2012 WHITING LANE STAFF DIRECTORY ..............................................................................................................................6 2011-2012 EARLY LEARNING CENTER STAFF DIRECTORY ........................................................................................................8 PTO BOARD MEMBERS 2011-2012 .....................................................................................................................................................9 WHITING LANE AND PTO EVENTS 2011-2012...............................................................................................................................10 SCHOOL HOURS* ................................................................................................................................................................................12 BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION*......................................................................................................................................12 ABSENCE/TARDINESS* .....................................................................................................................................................................12 PARKING/DROP-OFF/PICK-UP..........................................................................................................................................................13 EARLY CLOSING/DELAY OF SCHOOL OPENING*.......................................................................................................................14 CROSSING GUARDS ...........................................................................................................................................................................15 SCHOOL VISITATIONS*.....................................................................................................................................................................15 SECURITY .............................................................................................................................................................................................15 EARLY AND UNAVOIDABLE DISMISSAL* ...................................................................................................................................16 HOMEWORK.........................................................................................................................................................................................16 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL........................................................................................................................................................17 SNACKS/PARTY FOODS.....................................................................................................................................................................18 LUNCH...................................................................................................................................................................................................18 BAND, ORCHESTRA, CHOIR AND ENSEMBLES ...........................................................................................................................19 LOST AND FOUND ..............................................................................................................................................................................19 FIELD STUDIES....................................................................................................................................................................................19 RECESS* ................................................................................................................................................................................................20 DISTRIBUTION OF INVITATIONS* ..................................................................................................................................................20 TEACHER GIFT SUGGESTION ..........................................................................................................................................................20 BICYCLES* (and Scooters) ...................................................................................................................................................................20 ITEMS NOT PERMITTED IN SCHOOL*............................................................................................................................................21 PROGRAMS AND SERVICES .............................................................................................................................................................21 Nurses......................................................................................................................................................................................................21 Special Education....................................................................................................................................................................................21 Resources/Special Education Teacher ....................................................................................................................................................22 Speech/Language Consultant ..................................................................................................................................................................22 Psychologist ............................................................................................................................................................................................22 Social Worker .........................................................................................................................................................................................22 Early Intervention and Reading Specialists ............................................................................................................................................23 QUEST*..................................................................................................................................................................................................23 English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).......................................................................................................................................23 World Language In Elementary School (WLES) Program) ...................................................................................................................23 BOARD POLICY ON BULLYING .......................................................................................................................................................24 BOARD POLICY ON FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS ......................................................................................................................31 BUS CODE OF CONDUCT...................................................................................................................................................................32

* Indicates West Hartford Elementary Handbook reference

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“Everyone is born with an invisible bucket. No one can see your bucket, but it is always with you. Your bucket is a very important part of you. It is an important part of everyone. Your bucket holds all the love and happiness that you receive each day. When your bucket is full, you feel happy. When your bucket is empty, you feel sad.

It’s good to have a full bucket!” Dear Parents, Welcome to a new Whiting Lane and Early Learning Center school year! The quote above is taken from Fill a Bucket: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Young Children. As we continue this year as a “Bucket Filling School,” our children will be reminded of the importance of this initiative when their teachers read this book to them during the first weeks of classes. The bucket filling objective reminds us how important it is to unequivocally support and care for everyone in our little community. Teachers continually remind students that they are not expected to have all the answers, that “working hard” is the most important thing, and that together they will get the learning tasks accomplished. Along the way, there will be many opportunities to fill each others’ buckets. Remember: NO BUCKET DIPPING ALLOWED! There are countless other important individuals in the lives of our children who also provide assistance throughout the learning process. We turn to them when we need help, guidance, and a means of finding the answers to our most important questions. That’s exactly what this Parent Handbook and Directory aims to do and, if it doesn’t give you what you are looking for, I’m quite certain we can get it for you. All you have to do is ask and you, too, will do be able to some figuring out for yourself! The information held within this Parent Handbook and School Directory, will provide you with most of the answers to frequently asked questions regarding things such as school programs, procedures, and other essential information. You will note that some of the sections are taken directly from West Hartford’s Elementary Handbook and will be marked with an asterisk (*). All other sections are specific to Whiting Lane School - a particularly great place to learn, work and grow! Those of you who have children in the Early Learning Center will receive another parent handbook specific to the ELC program. In the Directory section of our Handbook, you will find listed by class, teacher and room number the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the children and parents in each classroom. Information can change during the year and, as it does, we will publish updates for your Directory in our newsletter, The Whiting Wire – another great publication. Watch for it in your child’s backpack twice a month!

Here’s a question to ask your children when they return home on the first day and every day throughout the

school year:

“What did you do to fill someone’s bucket today?” Sincerely, Nancy M. DePalma, Ed.D. Principal

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PTO LETTER 2011-2012 Dear Families of Whiting Lane, On behalf of the Parent Teacher Organization we would like to welcome everyone to an exciting year at Whiting Lane. Dr. DePalma, the teachers, and staff have been working diligently to insure that our children will have a successful school year. Good education, however, isn’t just about teachers and schools. Parents play a significant role in their children’s education, and what we do as parents really counts. One of the goals of the PTO is to provide everyone with the opportunity to get involved. Please consider donating your time and energy this year. It will be a rewarding experience for you and your child.

This directory includes much information, including PTO Events and Fund-raising information. Please take the time to read each page carefully. Names and telephone numbers have been included for those people who can answer specific questions. The PTO will also correspond with parents and students through the Whiting Wire and the Whiting Lane website (whitinglanepto.org) to update and provide you with current information.

PTO Events - Throughout the year the PTO sponsors events that provide opportunities for our school community to come together socially and to recognize the talents of our students and staff. Fund Raising - Mark your calendars for these opportunities to support Whiting Lane. There are a variety of ways for you to help support our school, both financially and educationally.

Please take the opportunity to join the PTO and attend the meetings. The meeting dates will be published monthly. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings as well as throughout the year. We thank you for supporting Whiting Lane PTO and look forward to working with you this year. Sincerely, Veronica Renstrom & Michelle Sullivan PTO Co-Presidents

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2011-2012 WHITING LANE STAFF DIRECTORY Principal- Dr. Nancy DePalma Curriculum Specialist-Mary Lestini Secretary- Mrs. Lesley McKay

Teacher Position Room Voicemail Mrs. Pat Orticari Kindergarten 20 2020 Mrs. Kelley Flammia Kindergarten 21 2021 Ms. Kristi Luetjen Kindergarten 19 2019 Mrs. Linda Smith First Grade 17 2017 Ms. Betsy Jahne First Grade 16 2016 Mrs. Lisa Mazzarella First Grade 14 2014 Ms. Kelly Pierce First Grade 12 2012 Mrs. Carolyn Amarucci Second Grade 10 2010 Mrs. Sally Pardee Second Grade 11 2011 Ms. Kim Shopey Second Grade 13 2013 Mrs. Megan Howard Second Grade 18 2018 Ms. Johanna Cleary Third Grade 6 2006 Ms. Wendy Martin Third Grade 7 2007 Mrs. Lindsey Roberts-Walstrom Third Grade 8 2008 Mrs. Joni Paradis Third Grade 9 2009 Mrs Deb Kantrowitz Fourth Grade 1 2001 Ms. Dawn Beckley Fourth Grade 3 2003 Mrs. Susi Sinatro Fourth Grade 4 2004 Ms. Kimberly Greenwell Fifth Grade 5 2005 Mrs. Gloria Torres Fifth Grade Portable 1 2493 Mrs. Erica Puglielli Fifth Grade Portable 2 2494 Ms. Carrie Blanchard Special Needs 2 2002 Ms. Michelle Lacroix Special Needs 2054 Ms. Jennifer Thumma Special Needs 36 2036 Mrs. Nancy Farooque Special Needs 35 2035 Mrs. Stephanie Murphy Special Needs 15 2015 Ms. Rose Hill Special Needs Ms. Amy Jaffe Social Worker 2050 Dr. Teresa LeBel Psychologist 2453 Ms. Nancy Driska School Nurse 2060 Mrs. Karen Fiori School Nurse 1106 Ms. Megan Lucas Speech/Language Clinician 2036 Ms. Joan Long Speech/Language Clinician 1003 Mrs. Linda Powers World Language Teacher 2484 Mr. Ryan Cronin ESOL 2046 Ms. Dawn Hambrechet ESOL Tutor Mrs Carol Goldstein ESOL Tutor 2491

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Mrs. Valerie Centone Reading Specialist 2487 Mrs. Heather Bushnell Early Intervention 2487 Ms. Jane LaFante Early Intervention Intern 1116 Ms. Michelle Deegan Literacy Tutor TBA Ms. Sherry Stidolph Quest 1125 Mr. Alan Smith Instrumental Music 2040 Ms. Jen Hopkinson Art Teacher 2055 Mr. Dan Rosenthal Art Teacher (part-time) Ms. Sarah Chasse Vocal Music 2041 Ms. Jenna Valiere Vocal Music (part-time) Mrs. Mary Ann Gianni Math Tutor 2482 Mrs. Lee Gluck Media Specialist 2032 Mrs. Judy Wilcox PE 2056 Mr. Michael DiDomenico P.E (part- time) 2044 Mrs. Sally Kelley PT/OT 2483 Mrs. Jocelyn Bruton PT 2060 Support Staff (subject to change) Art Bisallion Paraprofessional Loretta Bennett Paraprofessional Margarita Bonilla Paraprofessional 2451 Isabella Buccherri Paraprofessional 2109 Marie Burke Paraprofessional 2029 Erwina Chambers-Pierre Paraprofessional Nancy Chant Paraprofessional Evelyn Cruz Paraprofessional 2059 Becky Thomas Paraprofessional 2033 Maureen Fenton Paraprofessional Karen Flanagan Paraprofessional 2204 Susan Guinazzo Paraprofessional 2541 Jen Henry Paraprofessional Lesley Jainchill Paraprofessional Kate LaBranch Paraprofessional Clare McNamara Paraprofessional 2315 Amber Pallazo Paraprofessional 2515 Ann Ramette Paraprofessional 1102 Eva Sheets Paraprofessional 2031 Tracey Stewart Paraprofessional Christine Davis Teacher Assistant Debbie Penn Teacher Assistant Bonnie Retrum Teacher Assistant Teresa Rosario Teacher Assistant Elenia Karecki Cafeteria Staff Donna West Cafeteria Staff John Andrade Custodian 2039 Carlos Ortega Custodian Apostol Rrumbullaku Custodian

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2011-2012 EARLY LEARNING CENTER STAFF DIRECTORY

Early Learning Center Staff 2011 - 2012

Department Supervisor Mrs. Joanne O’Neil Secretary Mrs. Pam Macca

Staff Position Room Ms. Lori Plourde Pre-K 22 Mrs. Kirstin Rossi Pre-K 23 Ms. Megan Anderson Pre-K 24 Mrs. Susan Manion Pre-K 25 Mrs. Susi Holt Pre-K 26 Mrs. Jill Linker Pre-K 27 Ms. Monica Dauphinais Lacroix Psychologist Ms. Noreen McQueeney Social Worker Ms. Lisa Nowak Nurse Ms. Liz Cronin Speech/Language Pathologist Ms. Jennifer Lano Speech/Language Pathologist Ms. Sarah Stolz Speech/Language Pathologist Ms. Brandie Torres Speech/Language Pathologist Ms. Donna Cote Speech and Language Assistant Ms. Cheryl Ekenbarger Occupational Therapist Ms. Gail Wietelmann Occupational Therapist Mrs. Jocelyn Bruton Physical Therapist Ms. Kelly Condon Physical Therapist Ms. Lauren Skau Assistive Technology

Mrs. Gloria Braico Ms. Joan Moiger Ms. Tamra Burns Ms. Denise Moss Mrs. Debbie Calabrese Ms. Adrienne Nolting Ms. Ruth Clark Ms. June Roberts Ms. Martina Cravedi Ms. Maria Sembrakis Ms. Pamela DeBonee Ms. Jill Spencer Ms. Catherine Gay Ms. Amanda Srubas Ms. Denise Helm Mrs. Ruth Torres Ms. Jane Kimball Ms. Sandra Yepez Ms. Evelin Miranda

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PTO BOARD MEMBERS 2011-2012

Co-Presidents Veronica Renstrom [email protected] Michelle Sullivan [email protected]

First Vice President Nancy DePalma [email protected]

Executive Vice President Jen Shiffman [email protected]

Secretary Jen King [email protected]

Treasurer Barbara Boyd [email protected]

VP Volunteers India Liddell [email protected] Julie Jones [email protected]

VP Fundraising Andrew O’Toole [email protected]

Room Parent Coordinator Shari Orbach [email protected]

VP Communications Emily Sadler [email protected]

PTO Web Master Jennifer Evans [email protected]

ELC Parent Rep OPEN

Whiting Lane PTO Website www.whitinglanepto.net

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WHITING LANE AND PTO EVENTS 2011-2012 Dates Subject to Change

September September 1, 2011 First Day of School Coffee Social 8:30 am in cafeteria Wrapping Paper Fundraiser Sept. 13-15th PTO meeting on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 7PM Back to School Picnic Sept 15th Adult Social (Fall into Fun) September 24, 2011 9/30 Kids Birthday Celebration October 10/6: School Pictures Spirit Wear Sale Oct. 3-14 10/13 PTO Meeting 7PM 10/28 Kids Birthday Celebration November 11/7 Wrapping Paper Delivery 11/10 PTO Meeting 11/11 Kids Birthday Celebration 11/17 Turkey Bingo Conference week is 11/15-11/18 December PTO Thursday Dec. 8th 12/16 Birthday Celebration 12/26 Vacation Week January PTO Meeting: Thursday Jan 12th 1/27Kids Birthday Celebrations February PTO Meeting the 9th 2/17 Kids Birthday Celebration 2/17 Movie Night March PTO Meeting Thursday the 8th 3/23 Kids Birthday Celebration Kindergarten Info Night, March 22, 2011 6 PM 3/27-30 Conference Week April PTO Meeting Thursday the 12th- before vacation 4/27 Kids Birthday Celebration Vacation week is 4/16-20

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May PTO Meeting Thursday the 10th 5/25 Kids Birthday Celebration June 6/1 Kids Birthday Celebration and Walk to School Date School Fair Wed the 6th PTO Meeting the 7th 6/8 Kids Birthday celebration (July & August) Dates to be announced: Staff Appreciation; Wolf Pack Game and Rockcats Game *All dates are subject to change. Be sure to check the Whiting Lane website, as well as the PTO website, and the Whiting Wire our twice monthly newsletter!

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SCHOOL HOURS* The school day for K-5 and ELC preschool differs. Wednesdays are shortened days for both the K-5 and ELC students. School hours are as follows: K-5 ELC Monday 8:35 a.m.-3:20 p.m. Monday 9:00 -11:30 a.m. Tuesday 8:35 a.m.-3:20 p.m. Tuesday 9:00 -11:30 a.m. 12:15.-2:45 p.m. Wednesday 8:35 am.-2:00 pm. Wednesday 9:00.-11:00 a.m. 11:45-1:45 p.m. Thursday 8:35 a.m.-3:20 p.m. Thursday 9:00 -11:30 a.m. 12:15.-2:45 p.m. Friday 8:35 a.m.-3:20 p.m. Friday 9:00 -11:30 a.m. 12:15.-2:45 p.m.

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION* Children must not arrive at school earlier than 8:20 A.M. There is no supervision on the grounds prior to that time. Students may arrive early only if they are attending specific school scheduled and supervised activities. (e.g. band or choir.) Children are dismissed at 3:20 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Schools are not responsible for supervision of children after 3:35 p.m. / 2:15 p.m. Parents are responsible for prompt pick-up of their child if their child is not taking the bus or walking home. The Main Office closes and Crossing Guards go off duty at 4:00p.m. Note: The West Hartford Police Department will be contacted to retrieve students left at school after 4:00 p.m.

ABSENCE/TARDINESS* Students are encouraged to attend school with minimal absences in order to benefit as fully as possible from the educational experience. If a child is absent from school, the parent or guardian must contact the school office by calling 860-233-8541 and pressing 4 for the absence voicemail box. If e-mail is more convenient please e-mail both [email protected] and [email protected] stating that your child will be out. Please give the child's name, teacher and reason for absence (illness, religious observance, etc.) If a teacher reports a child absent and a call has not been received from a parent or guardian, it will necessitate a call to you either at home or at work. This is to ensure the safety of your child. When returning to school, your child must present a written excuse from the parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence. A student arriving at school after 8:35 a.m. must sign in at the office before going to the classroom.

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PARKING/DROP-OFF/PICK-UP Drop off and pick up areas are designated within the parking area near the tennis courts. Please follow the arrows and signs and drive slowly to keep all our children safe. The drop off/pick up areas are to be used only for these purposes. DO NOT PARK OR IDLE CARS in the DROP OFF /PICK UP AREAS. Cars cannot be standing in areas for an extended time. They are designed only for a quick drop off or pick up. Below is a diagram showing traffic routes and drop off/pick up areas. If you will be leaving your car to drop - off or pick - up your child, you must park in a marked parking space only. If there are no spaces in the parking lot, please park in the legal parking spaces on Whiting Lane or nearby streets. These traffic rules are for the safety of all of our children. WHITING LANE EXTENDED DAY CARE: Drop off and pick up is on Whiting Lane (the street), NOT in the staff only parking lot on the loading dock side of the school. NOTE: When there is a special event planned at school, parents and guests are requested to park on the street. Staff parking should not be considered due to the constraints it places on their time and transportation of instructional materials.

Traffic on Whiting Lane can present challenges due to on

street parking regulations.

Extra caution must be taken

at all times.

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EARLY CLOSING/DELAY OF SCHOOL OPENING* The superintendent of schools determines the necessity of a school delay or an early closing due to weather or some other emergency (e.g. excessive heat, loss of electricity, etc.). School delays and closings are announced on the local radio and TV stations listed below. This same information is also available on the West Hartford Source Line at 233-2334 after 6:00 am or the West Hartford Public Schools web site at www.whps.org. In addition, we will continue to use the automated Connect-ED system in the event of an early release from school. We must have up-to-date emergency contact information for your children. PLEASE DO NOT PHONE THE RADIO STATION, THE SUPERINTENDANT OR THE SCHOOL. Listen to your radio, watch your TV, or consult the web page for information. Radio Television WTIC (96.5 FM) WFSB—Channel 3 WRCH (100.5 FM) WTNH—Channel 8 WTIC (1080AM) WVIT—Channel 30 When there is a delay, ALL before school activities are canceled. When there is an early dismissal, after school activities are usually cancelled. ** Note: If school is delayed on a Wednesday we dismiss at 2 p.m. (regular Wed. dismissal time) Parents are not called to notify them of early closings for weather related emergencies. Parents need to be aware of the weather and monitor the news sources above for information on early closings. All families should have plans made with their children well in advance of the onset of poor weather, so that children know what to do. Every family should have the following family emergency plan in place, as a minimum:

• Give your children 3 to 5 homes to go to in the neighborhood, in a certain order. Be sure that your neighbors agree to this plan.

• If your child is old enough to stay at home show them where an extra house key is kept, or have them carry a house key. Remind them to call you at work to let you know that they are at home.

• If your children are not old enough to stay at home remind them to go to the designated neighbor, but then be certain to leave a note for you (e.g. on the mailbox ), or to call you at work to let you know where they are staying.

We suggest that you rehearse this plan with your child to give him / her the experience in a non-threatening situation. We will attempt to call parents via the automated Connect-Ed system if there is an emergency that affects only Whiting Lane School and one that would not be expected by parents. Because we cannot guarantee that all parents will be contacted, it is imperative that all children have an alternate plan in the event of an emergency. We will send children home under most circumstances. However, should there be an instance in which the CHILDREN ABSOLUTELY CANNOT BE DISMISSED, e.g. electrical lines down near the school, we will keep your child safely in school. In the event that the school needs to be evacuated, the children will be brought to our alternate location (Temple Beth Israel) which is within walking distance. Buses will be provided for special needs students.

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CROSSING GUARDS Three crossing guards are assigned to Whiting Lane School to ensure the safety of our children as they cross the streets on their way to and from school. They are located at the intersections of Whiting Lane and Farmington Avenue, Whiting Lane and Boulevard, and Park Road and Oakwood Avenue. They are assigned both in the morning and in the afternoon at the following hours: Monday 7:20-8:40 a.m. 3:15-4:00 p.m. Tuesday 7:20-8:40 a.m. 3:15-4:00 p.m. Thursday 7:20-8:40 a.m. 3:15-4:00 p.m. Friday 7:20-8:40 a.m. 3:15-4:00 p.m. Wednesday 7:20-8:40 a.m. 1:55-2:40 p.m.

SCHOOL VISITATIONS* All visitors, including parents and volunteers, must sign in at the front office and wear a visitor badge. Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit the school for various events. In order to minimize classroom disruptions, walk-in observations are not permitted. Parents should notify the teacher in advance for an appointment. If parents wish to have a meeting with a teacher, they must schedule an appointment in advance. Conferences cannot be held during the time a teacher is scheduled to be with the class. If parents find it necessary to deliver articles of clothing, lunches, instruments, etc. to school, the items must be labeled (class and name) and left in the office. Classroom instruction will not be interrupted.

SECURITY Student safety is our primary concern. Learning is most effective when it occurs in a safe, secure, and caring environment. To that end, please note and adhere to the following safety procedures: • Enter and exit the building through the front door only. All exterior doors will be closed and locked

during the school day. You must ring the doorbell to gain access to the building. • Go directly to the main office to sign in upon entering the building. • Wear a visitor sticker at all times. • Adults will not be permitted to enter or wait in the building during arrival and dismissal times. In good

weather, students line up outside in designated areas. Parents should wait until a teacher arrives to bring the children to class.

• In the event of inclement weather, children should go to their assigned areas in the building (i.e. K-2 main foyer; 3-5 cafeteria). Parents are asked to drop the children off and leave to avoid congestion and confusion. Teachers are assigned to monitor the children and direct them to class when the bell rings.

• Parents accompanying children arriving after 8:35 a.m. must sign in at the main office. Parents are asked not to walk their children to class.

• At dismissal, to avoid confusion and congestion, we request that parents wait outside for their children to exit the building. The lobby area should remain clear to allow the large number of children exiting the building to do so safely. NOTE: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS THE DESGINATED SPOT WHERE YOU WILL MEET HIM OR HER AND THE PLAN TO FOLLOW IN THE EVENT YOU ARE UNAVOIDABLY DETAINED OR LATE.

• Parents must contact school if there is a change in after school plans. Whenever possible, this should be done in writing and the note given to the teacher and/or main office at the start of the school day.

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EARLY AND UNAVOIDABLE DISMISSAL* If a child must be dismissed early, a note requesting early dismissal must be sent to the principal and teacher prior to the requested dismissal time. The note should include the reason for the requested early dismissal. The parent or person authorized (in writing) by the parent must meet the child at the office to minimize classroom disruptions, and must sign the child out before leaving the school. No student is to leave the building unescorted during the school day.

HOMEWORK Homework is assigned to children based on grade level. The amount and type of homework is developmentally appropriate for each grade, and may include extension of class work, practice of class work, preparation for future assignments or class work, and special assignments based on program or unusual student needs. At all grade levels, children are expected to spend time reading or listening to parents read on a daily basis. This reading is in addition to specific assignments. The general guidelines for the amount of homework are: Grade Assigned Reading Days Time Time K 5-10 minutes varies Mon.-Fri. 1 15 minutes 15 minutes Mon.-Thurs. 2 15-30 minutes 15 minutes Mon.-Thurs. 3 30 minutes 15-30 minutes Mon.-Thurs. 4 45-60 minutes 20-30 minutes Mon.-Thurs. 5 60-90 minutes 30 minutes Mon.-Fri. We expect parents to check homework both to assure its completion and to help children learn what is being taught. If your child is experiencing difficulty with homework, please contact his/her teacher who will be able to assist you with suggestions, and examine the homework in light of your child's individual needs.

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COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL We welcome and encourage parental communication about individual children or about the school in general. There are several avenues and means already in place for communication, and generally parents do not hesitate to use them. Since some parents may be hesitant, however, this protocol is meant to let them know they need to communicate. We as a staff are always eager to listen, to answer questions, to resolve problems, to hear suggestions for improvement or to hear about what we are doing well. In general, all communication should always begin at the classroom level with your child’s teacher. There are a variety of communication vehicles here at Whiting Lane School. Voice Mail E-mail Parent Conferences Student Progress Reports The Whiting Wire (twice monthly)-a main source for all general parent information! Daily or weekly written homework assignments Classroom newsletters or reviews of the week by students Note: Thursdays have been designated as the targeted day when most communications will be sent home, however, it is advisable to check your child’s backpack daily for communications. Voice Mail is a quick and convenient way to communicate non-emergency messages and to get routine information. All staff members have voice mail (classroom teacher’s voice mail numbers are listed in the directory section of this handbook) and there is voice mail for calling in student absences. We encourage you to call 860-233-8541 and enter your desired voice mail extension. Parent Conferences are held regularly and additional conferences are held if requested by parents or teachers. Conferences this year are scheduled for November 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th and March 22rd, 23rd, 24th, 25th. The Whiting Wire will be available twice monthly on Thursdays. It contains news about the school, upcoming events, the monthly menu, columns written by the PTO, teachers and students, as well as announcements of various activities and events in the broader West Hartford community. This is a key way that we communicate important information. Please carefully review each copy. Classroom Newsletters are sent home by teachers to update parents about classroom events, activities and units of study. The letters take different forms depending upon grade level, and they may come home weekly or monthly. Ask your child’s teacher about his or her newsletters. Principal Letters: As the need may warrant, special letters detailing important information may be mailed directly home or sent home with students. There are times when the normal communication vehicles do not answer parent questions or concerns. We encourage parents to contact the school to have their questions or concerns addressed and/or resolved, and to convey information of importance about their children. We can only grow stronger through close communication about the children and programs. Questions and Concerns regarding individual children—your child’s teachers should always be the first contact for any question or concern. Contact the teachers through note, or 860- 233-8541 and leave a voicemail message. The teacher will contact you to discuss the concern either on the phone, in e-mail or in person at a conference. Plans will be made, as appropriate, to provide parents with the support required to address their concerns. If needed, the teacher will confer with other building personnel to help address concerns, or, depending upon the concern, will help to set up a conference with the appropriate personnel. Building personnel who

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may be called upon would include the curriculum specialist, psychologist, social worker, QuEST teacher, special education teachers, and/or principal. If a concern is not appropriate to bring to the teacher, a parent can directly call other school personnel. However, it is generally best to address concerns with teachers, as they have first hand knowledge of the child, curriculum and instruction within their own grade levels and classrooms. Questions and Concerns regarding the school, questions in general, or district questions- The first person to contact about these questions or concerns that cannot be addressed by teachers is the school secretary. If the secretary cannot answer your questions, she will direct your call to the person most likely able to assist you, or will leave a message for that person to contact you.

SNACKS/PARTY FOODS At Whiting Lane School we emphasize healthy eating and reinforce this during parties and daily snack times by encouraging children to eat healthy snacks and party food. Please help your child to pick nutritious snacks such as fruit, vegetables, juice, crackers, cheese, etc. Soda and candy can not be brought for daily snacks. In addition, due to the increasing number of food allergies and other health conditions limiting what children may safely eat, the district does not allow any food which contains peanuts or other nut products, such as nut oils, into classrooms. Therefore, your child should bring only peanut-free and nut-free snacks to school. Please read the product labels when preparing snacks. If your child has an allergy and you would like to keep a supply of allergy free snacks in an airtight container in the classroom, please feel free to do so. Due to the increasing number of food allergies and other health conditions limiting foods that children may safely eat, we ask that you contact your child’s teacher or the school nurse prior to bringing in any food for classroom celebrations. In planning class parties teachers will minimize the amount of “junk" foods that children eat. They will be encouraging room parents to reduce the amount of unhealthy food for celebrations, and to substitute more healthy alternatives ( e.g. real fruit juices instead of artificially or sugar sweetened and artificially colored drinks). Again, due to food allergies and other health conditions, any foods brought to the classroom for celebrations must be peanut-free, and nut-free.

LUNCH This year the full price for a student lunch is $2.25 and the reduced price lunch is $.40. Adult Lunch is $3.50. Milk can be purchased for $.50. As with snack and party foods, we are encouraging healthy eating. If your child brings lunch, we encourage healthy choices. Children should be encouraged to choose a variety of foods for their lunch. Soda and candy cannot be sent to school with the children for lunch or snack. A peanut-free and nut-free table will be provided in the cafeteria for those children with nut allergies. Other children are encouraged to sit at this table as well, provided they have only peanut-free and nut-free items in their lunches. Again, as stated in the snack section above, please read the product labels very carefully.

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BAND, ORCHESTRA, CHOIR AND ENSEMBLES Rehearsals will take place from 7:45-8:30 A.M. Please check the Whiting Wire for start dates. Monday – Jazz Band Tuesday – 5th Grade Band Wednesday – 4th Grade Band, 3rd Grade Choir (begins in January) Thursday – 5th grade Strings, 4th Grade Choir Friday – 4th Grade Strings, 5th Grade Choir NOTE: Children attending rehearsals must enter the building through the main entrance door. DO NOT DROP CHILDREN OFF BY THE STAFF PARKING ENTRY.

LOST AND FOUND The lost and found is located in the back of cafeteria for most items. Valuables, such as jewelry and eyeglasses are kept in the office and can be claimed there. Each year we donate hundreds of items of clothing to Covenant to Care, Goodwill or Salvation Army. Most are articles of clothing that have no name in them and which no one comes to claim. The best way to prevent loss of items is to put your child's name on them. This can be done easily with permanent marker on the inside tags of clothing, or inside lunch boxes and backpacks.

FIELD STUDIES Field studies are an important part of our educational program. They can provide students a special kind of learning through first-hand experiences which are always exciting. Parental permission forms must be signed prior to each trip and we expect all children to participate. Trips are planned by a grade level team, or by special area subject teachers with related educational objectives in mind. Parents may be asked to help as chaperones. Teachers will decide how many chaperones and which parent volunteers will be asked, based on the grade level, the activity, location of the trip and class profile. Since safety and supervision of the children are of paramount importance, we cannot allow siblings on trips. Please contact your classroom teacher or the office if financial assistance is needed in order for your child to participate. Note: The most up to date emergency contact information must be provided when requested on permission slips.

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RECESS* We consider recess an integral part of the child's school day. It affords time for recreation, interacting with peers in a less structured setting, developing skills of cooperation, problem solving and sportsmanship. Youngsters should be appropriately dressed to spend time outdoors during recess. Warm clothes, gloves, hats, and boots are required during winter months. Children well enough to come to school should be well enough to be outside during recess. Exceptions for medical reasons may be granted on an individual basis, in consultation with our school nurses. In the event of inclement or severely cold weather, below 20 degrees, recess will be indoors. NOTE: Our playground is not for public use during school hours. Staff members are instructed to notify administration immediately if individuals other than Whiting Lane staff or students are on the property.

DISTRIBUTION OF INVITATIONS* Parents are asked not to send invitations to birthday parties or similar events for distribution at school unless every child in the class is to receive an invitation.

TEACHER GIFT SUGGESTION Whiting Lane appreciates that at certain times throughout the year parents like to thank teachers by giving a gift. We suggest that you may want to thank a teacher with a gift that gives back. The Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools Teacher Thank you Gift program is a great way to acknowledge a wonderful and talented teacher for their hard work and dedication. The Foundation is dedicated to raising money from the community to give back to the public schools. For more information check their web site: www.FWHS.org Please note that the Board of Education policy limits gift items to $50.00.

BICYCLES* (and Scooters) Students in grades 3-5, in most cases, have the necessary development and the judgment needed to operate a bicycle safely to and from school. Connecticut requires that children wear helmets when riding bicycles. Bikes and Scooters are to be walked, not ridden, on school property. Each bike/scooter rider must have a lock and chain for the bike and secure it in the rack immediately upon arrival at school. Bikes will not be permitted in the building for safekeeping. Children may not ride bikes/scooters during school hours. Skateboards are not permitted at any time on school grounds. Parents should familiarize youngsters with bicycle safety rules and the safest route to avoid potential hazards. The school reserves the right to revoke bike privileges for failure to observe established safety procedures.

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ITEMS NOT PERMITTED IN SCHOOL* In order to insure student safety and the protection of personal property (expensive jewelry, toys and money) parents are encouraged to monitor closely those items that are brought or worn to school by students. The following items are specifically prohibited on school grounds (and at school events): • Weapons (real or toy) • Pocket knives, razor blades, or sharp objects • Skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, scooters, shoes with wheels (heelys) • Radios, CD players, tape recorders, walkmans, video games, electronic games, trading/collection

cards, any type of text messaging devices (e.g. handheld game consoles such as Gizmondo, Nintendo etc.), electronic devices with photography capability

• Baseball bats, Lacrosse sticks, hardballs, boomerangs and Frisbees • Matches, caps, and fireworks • Laser pointers • Cell phones, video cell phones • Silly Bandz

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Nurses The school nurse is a liaison between staff, parent, student and medical professionals outside of school. The nursing staff provides immediate care whenever needed, ( e.g. for sudden illnesses and accidents), as well as continuing care for children who require medications or special medical attention. In addition, they conduct vision and hearing screenings, scoliosis screenings, as well as some health counseling, and health education for students, families and staff. At Whiting Lane there are nurses assigned both to the K-5 program and the Early Learning Center. There are currently three nurses that are based in the building, each providing some of the coverage. They work closely as a team and, while they are officially assigned to a specific program, they all know the children from pre-school through grade 5.

Special Education The West Hartford Public Schools offers a full range of Special Education services. The services provided vary widely to meet the needs of the special education population. The program/service descriptions on the following pages are taken from West Hartford's Guide to Special Education. This guide is given to all parents of children who are referred through the Planning and Placement Team (PPT). However, any parent who would like a copy can get one by calling the office. Special Education services are made available through referral to and recommendations by the PPT. Most often, children who are referred to the PPT are first identified by teachers who will contact parents to discuss concerns. However, parents also identify concerns and should not hesitate to contact the teachers whenever concerns arise. The classroom teacher will confer with parents to plan for modifications and to work cooperatively with parents before referral to the PPT.

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Before referral, the teacher will seek the help of the Student Success Team (SST), in making modifications and working cooperatively with parents. These pre-referral strategies are required by law and assure that all regular education interventions have been exhausted before referral to special education. Parents are an integral part of the special education process and are included in all PPT meetings.

Resources/Special Education Teacher The special education resource teacher is found within each school and works with students for whom the PPT has recommended supportive help in the resource room and/or regular class. This teacher is responsible for educational diagnostic testing and creating a program with the PPT which would include close coordination with the regular class teacher, regular conferencing with the parent and/or student, and on-going evaluation of the student's progress. Students may come to the resource room on a scheduled basis, or receive services in their classroom setting. There are also special education teachers who teach academic classes for those students participating in town-wide special education programs such as the Special Needs programs at Whiting Lane School and Norfeldt School and the Braeburn School program for educating students with Emotional Disabilities.

Speech/Language Consultant The consultant diagnoses and directs therapy for students manifesting language disabilities and other communication disorders including articulation, voice and fluency disorders. Therapeutic interventions may occur individually, in small groups, or through classroom consultations and modifications.

Psychologist The school psychologist assesses intellectual and personality functioning through the use of testing materials, observations, and interviews. The psychologist may also do individual and group counseling with students, as well as some parent counseling. In addition, the psychologist makes referrals to outside agencies, when appropriate. The psychologist also consults with staff members and occasionally works in the classrooms assisting the teachers.

Social Worker The school social worker performs the related responsibilities necessary to enable students to derive the fullest possible educational experience from school by promoting their sense of self, diagnosing, prescribing for and treating educational and emotional problems.

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Other Professionals In addition to the professionals described above, and who are routinely found in West Hartford's schools, there are other professionals who may be a part of the PPT. These include an occupational therapist, physical therapist, teacher of the hearing impaired and psychiatrist.

Early Intervention and Reading Specialists The Early Intervention program provides extra instruction and practice in reading. Teachers review assessment scores and students' work to identify children who will benefit from this additional support. The Early Intervention staff and the Reading Specialist work together with the classroom teacher to coordinate the classroom and the Early Intervention instruction.

QUEST* QuEST is a school wide gifted program for students at the elementary schools. The program is staffed by a half-time certified teacher at each elementary school. QuEST teachers have extensive background experience and training in gifted education. A town-wide curriculum specialist coordinates the program, provides continuing staff development for the QuEST teachers and oversees their work. The QuEST program provides all students with opportunities to extend and enhance the essential curriculum. Therefore, at various times throughout the year, every student benefits from participation in activities that are sponsored by the QuEST program. In addition to providing school wide enrichment, some youngsters are involved in weekly QuEST activities. These students have demonstrated a need for additional academic challenges based on their classroom performance, achievement and aptitude. Additionally, the QuEST program offers Math QuEST, an accelerated math program available to qualified fourth and fifth grade students. Math QuEST is taught by the QuEST teacher and cooperating classroom teacher. Art QuEST offers additional visual arts experiences to talented young artists. At each school, a committee consisting of the principal, curriculum specialist, classroom teacher, QuEST teacher and town wide curriculum specialist for the Quest program determines who will participate in this dimension of the program.

English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) The ESOL program provides instruction in the English language for children whose first language is not English. The instruction focuses on learning to understand and speak English as well as learning to read and write English. The ESOL teacher groups children by their English language mastery and designs lessons to meet their individual needs and to support their classroom programs.

World Language In Elementary School (WLES) Program) All 3-5 students study Spanish for one hour per week. The focus of instruction is communication and culture. Students are introduced to spoken Spanish through their WLES teacher and begin immediately to speak Spanish.

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BOARD POLICY ON BULLYING WEST HARTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS REGULATION 5550 Students Bullying Behavior in the Schools The following sets forth the procedures to implement the Board Policy concerning the prohibition against bullying. Bullying behavior is strictly prohibited, and students who are determined to have engaged in such behavior are subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension or expulsion from school, in accordance with the Board’s Student Discipline policy. The district’s commitment to addressing bullying behavior, however, involves a multi-faceted approach, which includes education and the promotion of a school atmosphere in which bullying will not be tolerated by students or staff. It is imperative that bullying be identified only when the specific elements of the definition are met, because the designation of conduct as bullying carries with it special statutory obligations. Any misconduct by one student against another student, whether or not appropriately defined as bullying, however, will subject the perpetrator to disciplinary action in accordance with the Board's policies on student discipline, suspension and expulsion. I. Definition

In accordance with Board policy, “bullying” means any overt acts by a student or group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, harass, humiliate, or intimidate the other student while on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity, which acts are committed more than once against any student during the school year. In accordance with this definition, the following factors should be considered before identifying conduct by a student or group of students as bullying in violation of Board policy. The determination that conduct does not constitute bullying under state law and Board policy, however, does not restrict the right of the Administration and of the Board of Education to impose appropriate disciplinary consequences for student misconduct.

• Location. Bullying behavior in violation of Board policy must occur on school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, or on a school bus. Conduct that occurs off-campus (e.g. harassment over the Internet, physical intimidation in the community) is not bullying under the Board’s Policy and this Regulation.

While not considered bullying under Board policy, conduct occurring off-campus (and outside of any school-sponsored activity) that would otherwise be considered bullying may subject the perpetrator to disciplinary action. Discipline for such conduct may be imposed if such conduct violates a publicized policy of the Board and is seriously disruptive of the educational process. Unless such conduct triggers a mandatory expulsion under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-233d(a), however, school officials are authorized to impose discipline for such off-campus conduct only if such conduct markedly interrupts or severely impedes the day-to-day operation of the school.

• Repeated misconduct. Bullying behavior in violation of Board policy must be “committed more

than once against any student during the school year.” An isolated incident, however egregious, is not “bullying” under state law and Board policy. Similarly, numerous acts of misconduct against

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different students do not constitute “bullying” under state law and Board policy. Conversely, where there are repeated incidents of bullying against a single individual or recurrently perpetrated bullying incidents by the same individual, the responsible administrator shall develop a case-specific intervention to address such repeated incidents of bullying, which may include both counseling and discipline.

• Ridicule, harassment, humiliation, and/or intimidation. Bullying behavior is more than misconduct.

Such behavior is marked by the intent to ridicule, harass, humiliate or intimidate the victim. In evaluating whether conduct constitutes bullying, special attention should be paid to the words chosen or actions taken, whether such conduct occurred in front of others or was communicated to others, how the perpetrator interacted with the victim, and the motivation, either admitted or appropriately inferred, of the perpetrator.

• Types of conduct. Bullying can take many forms and can include many different behaviors having

the intent to ridicule, harass, humiliate or intimidate another student. Examples of conduct that could constitute bullying include:

1. Physical violence and/or attacks; 2. Verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs, including taunts based on race, ethnicity,

gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected and/or individual characteristics; 3. Threats and intimidation (through words and/or gestures); 4. Extortion or stealing of money and/or possessions. 5. Purposeful exclusion, shunning, snubbing

II. Complaint processes A. Publication of the prohibition against bullying and related procedures

The prohibition against bullying shall be publicized by including the following statement in the student handbook of each of the district schools:

“Bullying behavior by any student in the West Hartford Public Schools is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. ‘Bullying’ means any overt acts by a student or group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, harass, humiliate or intimidate the other student while on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity, which acts are committed more than once against any student during the school year. Students may file verbal or written reports concerning suspected bullying behavior, and students shall be permitted to anonymously report acts of bullying to teachers and school administrators. In addition, parents or guardians of students may file written reports concerning suspected bullying behavior. Any report of suspected bullying behavior will be promptly* reviewed. If acts of bullying are verified, prompt disciplinary action may be taken against the perpetrator, consistent with his/her rights of due process. Board policy and regulation 5550, Bullying Behavior in the Schools, set forth this prohibition and the related procedures in detail, and are available to students and their parents/guardians upon request.” *Throughout these regulations “promptly” means by the end of the next school day.

B. Annual notification of the complaint process

The process by which students may make formal, informal, and anonymous complaints as set forth below shall be publicized annually in the student handbook of each of the district schools.

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C. Formal complaints

Students and/or their parents or guardians may file written reports of conduct that they consider to be bullying. Such written reports shall be reasonably specific as to the actions giving rise to the suspicion of bullying, including time and place of the conduct alleged, the number of such incidents, the target of such suspected bullying, and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. Such reports may be filed with any teacher, other professional employee, or administrator, and they shall be promptly forwarded to the building principal for review and action in accordance with Section IV below.

D. Informal complaints

Students may make informal complaints of conduct that they consider to be bullying by verbal report to a teacher, administrator, or other professional employee such as a guidance counselor, school psychologist, nurse, social worker or therapist. Such informal complaints shall be reasonably specific as to the actions giving rise to the suspicion of bullying, including time and place of the conduct alleged, the number of such incidents, the target of such suspected bullying, and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. A teacher, other professional employee, or administrator who receives an informal complaint shall promptly put the complaint in writing, including the information provided. Such written report by the teacher, other professional employee and/or administrator shall be promptly forwarded to the building principal or principal designee for review and action in accordance with Section IV below.

E. Anonymous complaints

Students who make an informal complaint as set forth above may request that their name be maintained in confidence by the teacher(s) and administrator(s) who receive the complaint. Should anonymity be requested, the principal or principal designee shall meet with the student to review the request for anonymity and the impact that maintaining anonymity of the complaint may have on the investigation of the complaint and/or possible remedial action. At such meeting, the student shall be given the choice as to whether to maintain the anonymity of the complaint. Anonymous complaints shall be reviewed and reasonable action will be taken to address the situation, to the extent such action may be taken that (1) does not disclose the source of the complaint, and (2) is consistent with the due process rights of the student(s) alleged to have committed acts of bullying.

III. Staff responsibilities and intervention strategies

A. Teachers and other school staff

Teachers and other school staff who witness acts of bullying, as defined above, shall promptly notify the building principal or principal designee of the events observed, and shall promptly file a written incident report concerning the events witnessed. Teachers and other school staff who receive student or parent reports of suspected bullying shall promptly notify the building principal or principal designee of such report(s). If the report is a formal written complaint, such complaint shall be forwarded promptly to the building principal or principal designee. If the report is an informal complaint by a student that is received by teachers or other school staff, he or she shall prepare a succinct written report of the informal complaint, which shall be forwarded promptly to the building principal or principal designee. In addition to addressing both informal and formal complaints, teachers and other professional employees are encouraged to address the issue of bullying in other interactions with students. Teachers and other professional employees may find opportunities to educate students about bullying and help eliminate bullying behavior through class discussions, counseling, and reinforcement of socially-appropriate behavior.

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Teachers and other professional employees should intervene whenever they observe student conduct that has the purpose or effect of ridiculing, humiliating, harassing, or intimidating another student, even if such conduct does not meet the formal definition of “bullying.”

B. Administrator responsibilities

1. Investigation

The principal or principal designee shall be promptly notified of any formal or informal complaint of suspected bullying received by any building administrator, teacher or other professional employee. Under the direction of the building principal or principal designee, all such complaints shall be investigated promptly.

A written report of the investigation shall be prepared when the investigation is complete. Such report shall include findings of fact, a determination of whether acts of bullying were verified, and, when acts of bullying are verified, a recommendation for intervention, including disciplinary action. Where appropriate, written witness statements shall be attached to the report.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, when a student making an informal complaint has requested anonymity, the investigation of such complaint shall be limited as is appropriate in view of the anonymity of the complainant. Such limitation of investigation may include restricting action to a simple review of the complaint (with or without discussing it with the alleged perpetrator), subject to receipt of further information and/or the withdrawal by the complaining student of the condition that his/her report be anonymous.

2. Remedial actions

Verified acts of bullying shall result in intervention by the building principal or principal designee which is intended to address the acts of the perpetrator and the needs of the victim and to assure that the prohibition against bullying behavior is enforced with the goal that any such bullying behavior will end as a result. Bullying behavior can take many forms and can vary dramatically in how serious it is, and what impact it has on the victim and other students. Accordingly, there is no one prescribed response to verified acts of bullying. While conduct that rises to the level of “bullying”, as defined above, will generally warrant disciplinary action against the perpetrator of such bullying, whether and to what extent to impose disciplinary action (e.g., detention, in-school suspension, suspension or expulsion) is a matter for the professional discretion of the building principal or principal designee. The following sets forth possible interventions for building principals or principal designees to enforce the Board’s prohibition against bullying. a. Addressing bullying behavior

(1) Non-disciplinary interventions

When complaints of bullying are identified early and/or when such complaints of bullying do not reasonably require a disciplinary response, students may be counseled as to the definition of bullying, its prohibition, and their duty to avoid any conduct that could be considered bullying.

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If a complaint arises out of conflict between students or groups of students, peer mediation may be considered. Special care, however, is warranted in referring such cases to peer mediation. A power imbalance may make the process intimidating for the victim and therefore inappropriate. In such cases, the victim should be given additional support. Alternatively, peer mediation may be deemed inappropriate to address the concern.

(2) Disciplinary interventions

When acts of bullying are verified and a disciplinary response is warranted, students are subject to the full range of disciplinary consequences. Anonymous complaints that are not otherwise verified, however, shall not be the basis for disciplinary action.

In-school suspension and suspension may be imposed only after informing the accused perpetrator of the reasons for the proposed suspension and giving him/her an opportunity to explain the situation, in accordance with the Board’s Student Discipline policy.

Expulsion may be imposed only after a hearing before the Board of Education, a committee of the Board or an impartial hearing officer designated by the Board of Education in accordance with the Board’s Student Discipline policy. This consequence shall normally be reserved for serious incidents of bullying and/or when past interventions have not been successful in eliminating bullying behavior.

b. Interventions for bullied students

The building principal or principal designee shall intervene in order to address repeated incidents of bullying against a single individual. Intervention strategies for a bullied student may include the following:

1. Counseling 2. Increased supervision and monitoring of student to observe and intervene in

bullying situations 3. Encouragement of student to seek help when victimized or witnessing

victimization 4. Mediation/conflict resolution with an adult 5. Peer mediation only when appropriate

c. General intervention strategies

In addition to the prompt investigation of complaints of bullying and direct intervention when acts of bullying are verified, other district actions may ameliorate potential problems with bullying in school or at school-sponsored activities. While no specific action is required, and school needs for such interventions may vary from time to time, the following list of potential intervention strategies shall serve as a resource for administrators, teachers and other professional employees in each school:

1. Respectful responses to bullying concerns raised by students, parents or staff; 2. Planned professional development programs addressing bully/victim problems;

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3. Data collection to document bully/victim problems to determine the nature and scope of the problem;

4. Use of peers to help ameliorate the plight of victims and include them in group activities;

5. Avoidance of sex-role stereotyping; 6. Awareness and involvement on the part of staff and parents with regards to

bully-victim problems; 7. A curriculum that promotes communication, friendship, assertiveness skills, and

character education; 8. Modeling by teachers of positive, respectful, and supportive behavior toward

students; 9. Creating a school atmosphere of team spirit and collaboration that promotes

appropriate social behavior by students in support of others; 10. Employing classroom strategies that instruct students how to work together in a

collaborative and supportive atmosphere. IV. Reporting obligations

A. Report to the parent or guardian of the perpetrator

If after investigation, acts of bullying by a specific student are verified, the building principal or principal designee shall notify the parent or guardian of the perpetrator in writing of that finding. If disciplinary consequences are imposed against such student, a description of such discipline shall be included in such notification. The building principal or principal designee shall also invite the parent or guardian to attend at least one meeting. The parent or legal guardian with whom the student does not primarily reside shall be provided with all school notices that are provided to the parent or legal guardian with whom the student primarily resides. Such notices shall be mailed to the parent or legal guardian requesting them at the same time they are provided to the parent or legal guardian with whom the child primarily resides. Such requests shall be effective for as long as the child remains in the school the child is attending at the time of the request.

B. Reports to the victim and his/her parent or guardian

If after investigation, acts of bullying against a specific student are verified, the building principal or principal designee shall notify the parent or guardian of the victim of such finding. In providing such notification, care must be taken to respect the statutory privacy rights of the perpetrator of such bullying. The specific disciplinary consequences imposed on the perpetrator, as reflected in the student’s educational records, shall not be disclosed to the parents or guardian of the victim, except as provided by law. The building principal or principal designee shall also invite the parent or guardian to attend at least one meeting. The parent or legal guardian with whom the student does not primarily reside shall be provided with all school notices that are provided to the parent or legal guardian with whom the student primarily resides. Such notices shall be mailed to the parent or legal guardian requesting them at the same time they are provided to the parent or legal guardian with whom the child primarily resides. Such requests shall be effective for as long as the child remains in the school the child is attending at the time of the request.

C. List of verified acts of bullying

The principal of each school shall maintain a list of the number of verified acts of bullying in the school, and this list shall be available for public inspection upon request. The list shall be limited to

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the number of such verified acts of bullying in the school, and it shall not set out the particulars of each verified act, including but not limited to any personally identifiable student information, which is confidential information by law.

Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:

10-222d 10-233a through 10-233f

Public Act No. 06-115

Revised: June 23, 2009

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BOARD POLICY ON FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS WEST HARTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

POLICY 5730

Students – Civil & Legal Responsibilities

First Amendment Rights

The Board of Education recognizes that students have the right to express themselves verbally, in writing, and by

posting of materials in the schools. Such expressions shall be subject to review by the appropriate authority to

determine that the content and the form are not obscene, libelous, vulgar or substantially disruptive to the

educational process.

Legal Reference:Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969).

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeir, 494 U.S. 260 (1988).

Adopted: March 21, 1988

Revised: June 6, 2006

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BUS CODE OF CONDUCT Parents please discuss the following information with your child(ren): Bus Company – First Student, 953-2030 Bus Stops are in route order, indicating where students are to board the buses. Parents and students are to select and consistently use the stop closest to your home. If a bus stop is not used for 5 consecutive days, the stop will be eliminated. Wait for the bus on the sidewalk or shoulder of the road. When boarding or leaving the bus, remain in an orderly line. Standing or walking behind the bus is prohibited as the driver cannot see you. If you drop something in front of the bus or near it, do not pick it up. Ask an adult to get it for you as the driver will not see you if you bend down to pick it up. While crossing the street when boarding or leaving the bus, walk to where you can see the driver and wait for a signal to cross, making sure you look both ways for cars. Bus Rides are an extension of the school day; behavior is expected to be the same as in the classroom. Each bus is equipped with a video/audio surveillance system. Failure to follow rules will result in disciplinary action by school administration up to and including removal from the bus. Keep your head, arms, and hands inside the bus at all times. Eating, smoking or fighting is not allowed on the bus. Book bags, backpacks and instruments must be held in the student’s lap. Bus Routes are designed to pick up numbers of students at central bus stops. Students can walk up to the same mileage to a bus stop as to school – elementary including kindergarten, up to 1 mile, middle school students up to 1.5 miles, high school students up to 2 miles. This is the same mileage requirement student’s not eligible for transportation must walk to school per the Connecticut State Department of Education, office of Legal & Governmental Affairs. Students are expected to be waiting outside at the designated bus stop dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. If student(s) are waiting in your home or a car, the bus will not stop. Students should be at the bus stop at least ten minutes before the expected time. Expect that route schedules may vary when there is a substitute driver at any time during the year. Driver’s routes originate from West Hartford Public schools transportation office only and will not honor parent requests. The bus company is fined for making unauthorized route changes. Unless a parent is picking student(s) up from school, students are expected to ride daily. The five day rule is enforced to help guarantee the safety of students. Allowing a student to be bused to location “A” on one or more days a week and location “B” for the remainder of the week is not permitted due to liability issues. Should the student or adult on either the sending or receiving location confuse the days and no one is available to meet the student, the student may be at risk as supervision may not be available. Drivers are not required to be responsible for any schedule other than to safely transport students to and from school. Students may not ride buses other than the one they are assigned to ride. Any after school visits to other students homes or to non school activities are the sole responsibility of parents. Any requests for changes to routes due to 'safety issues only' must be approved by West Hartford Public Schools and must be requested in writing to the transportation office of West Hartford Public Schools. Bus Passes are distributed at each middle and high school. Passes are not issued for students riding minibuses. Students must carry bus passes at all times as they are checked regularly. Bus passes will be honored only for the bus for which it is issued. Day Care - Transportation is provided to day care provider areas as long as the student is participating 5 days a week. The day care provider must be located within the school district the student attends and be more than the mileage required per grade level from the school. Forms must be submitted for each calendar school year. Kindergarten students must be met at the bus stop by a responsible parent/guardian or they will be returned to school. Late Buses are provided by the West Hartford Public Schools to all middle and high school students who remain after school for school activities; including students who normally walk to and from school. Seat Belts are not required in school buses as studies have shown that due to the school bus design of compartmentalization it is the safest mode of transportation for students. School buses are designed to accommodate 3 students per seat at the elementary level. Students boarding first must move toward the bus window to leave vacant seats for students boarding at later stops. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and have a great year!

West Hartford Public Schools Transportation Office - 50 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107 Telephone 860- 561-6647 Fax 860- 561-6929

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Student  Name       Family  E-­‐mail  Address      

Albert,     Aidan   [email protected]      Aavatsmark   Anders   [email protected]      

Alitmari,   Natalia   [email protected]      

Armstrong,   Azayah   [email protected]      Aubin,   Luke  and  Matteo   [email protected]      

Barnett,   Brandon,  Michael  &  Matteo   [email protected]      Bassock,   Wade   [email protected]     [email protected]  

Beal,   Quinn   [email protected]      

Body,   Janayah   [email protected]      Borre,   Ben   [email protected]      

Branning,   Owen   [email protected]      Brudz,   Owen  and  Gus   hdonlon-­‐[email protected]      

Brujnes,   J.  William   [email protected]      Burke,   Sydney,  Logan  &  Spencer   [email protected]      

Carroll,   Virginia   [email protected]      

Carty,   Thomas   [email protected]   [email protected]  Colon,   Kassandra   [email protected]      

Cooper,   Maya   [email protected]      Coursey,   Ned   [email protected]   [email protected]  

Crawford,   Lauren   [email protected]      

Dagnall,   Rylie   [email protected]      Doar,   John  and  Katharine   [email protected]      

Dowd,   Joseph,  Christopher  and  Charles   [email protected]      Doyle,   Theodore  and  Douglas   [email protected]      

Estrada-­‐Igo,   Enrique  and  Lupe   [email protected]      Evans,   James  and  Genella   [email protected]   [email protected]  

Evelein,   Alice   [email protected]      

Fanning,   Mitchell  and  Shaye   [email protected]      Fazzina,   Grace   [email protected]      

Feddersen,   Nicholas   [email protected]      Forand,   Ava   [email protected]      

Froman,   Mishi   [email protected]      

Garvey,   Katey  and  Abby   [email protected]      Goldberg,   Cayden   [email protected]      

Grady,   Jackson  and  Nora   [email protected]      Grove,   Jane   [email protected]      

Guberman,   Lily   [email protected]      Haddad,   Henry  and  Jack   jhaddad@cb-­‐shea.com   [email protected]  

Hatchell,   Sofia   [email protected]   [email protected]  

Hayward,   Vivian   [email protected]      Hurley,   Cameron   [email protected]      

Jacobson   Jonathan  and  Rachel   [email protected]      Jones,   Evan  and  Farrah   [email protected]      

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Kashey,   Kai  and  Milo   [email protected]      

Kaslusky   Evan   [email protected]      Katz,   Lucia  and  Salvador   [email protected]      

Katzman,   Gregory   [email protected]      Keena,   Hunter   [email protected]   [email protected]  

Kerrigan-­‐Mock,   Fernando  and  Carlos   [email protected]   [email protected]  King,   Eli   [email protected]      

Leonidas,   Jonathan   [email protected]      

Liddell,   Christopher  and  Patrick   [email protected]      Lyons,   David   [email protected]      

MacPherson,   Colin   [email protected]      Madrak,   Ella   [email protected]      

Manolis,   Campbell   [email protected]      

Margolis,   Nathan   [email protected]      Marks,   James  and  Jennifer   [email protected]      

Matthews   Philip   [email protected]      McGowan,   Riley  and  Mason   [email protected]      

Miller   Zachary  and  Zoe   [email protected]        Moylan,   Eamon  and  Maeve   [email protected]      

Mozingo   Josephine  and  Cornelia   [email protected]      

O'Brien   Jack   [email protected]      O'Toole,   Aidan  and  Madeline   [email protected]        

Parham,   Cyrus  and  Beatrice   [email protected]      Patnoe,   Benjamin   [email protected]      

Pedro,   Sophia  and  Christian   [email protected]      

Posner   Abby   [email protected]      Procaccini,   Raina  and  Phoenix   [email protected]      

Procyk,   Julia  and  Jack   [email protected]      Pyrro,   Lucas   [email protected]      

Remedi-­‐Bausero,   Lucia   [email protected]      Renstrom,   Tori  and  Jackie   [email protected]      

Rich,     Alex   [email protected]      

Rose,   Maya   [email protected]      Sabia,   James  and  Joseph   [email protected]      

Sadler,   Elizabeth  and  Samuel   [email protected]   [email protected]  Sauer   Jack   [email protected]      

Schlatter   Henry  and  Copeland   [email protected]      

Schumey,   Cindy   [email protected]      Shiffman,   Owen  and  Matthew   [email protected]      

Sitkowski,   Darina   [email protected]      Sorenson,     Wesley  and  Olivia   [email protected]      

Sullivan,   Thomas  and  Patrick   [email protected]        Townswick,   Charlotte,  George  &  Camille   [email protected]      

Valle,   Riley   [email protected]      

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Villaparedes,   Noemi   [email protected]      

West,   Lauryn   [email protected]      Whitely   Chris  and  John   [email protected]      

Wiernasz,   Hunter   [email protected]      Wyatt,   Emma   [email protected]      

Zuo,   Jia  Ni   [email protected]